What Happened When We Tried K-Beauty’s 10-Step Routine

The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine: What Happened When We Tried It for a Week

Over the last few years, Korean beauty—or K-beauty—has taken the global skincare scene by storm. In the UK, it’s gone from niche trend to a mainstream must-try for skincare lovers.

With glowing influencers and celebrities praising its benefits, one thing stands out: “Glass skin”—that smooth, clear, luminous look—is the ultimate goal.

To see what the hype was really about, our team at Procoal decided to try the full 10-step Korean skincare routine for one week. Was it hard to stick to? Was it worth the time and effort?

We found out. And we’re sharing every step, product, result, and thought with you.

First, What Is the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine?

Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t a strictly universal 10-step routine. Most guides share a similar structure, but there are slight variations depending on skin type and personal preference.

After some research, we followed this version:

Oil Cleanser, Foam Cleanser, Toner, Essence, Emulsion, Serum, Sheet Mask, Eye Cream, Moisturiser, SPF

Let’s break it down, step by step.

1. Oil Cleanser

The first step is an oil-based cleanser that removes makeup, SPF, and pollution. This is applied to dry skin and massaged in before rinsing with warm water.

We used Dermalogica Precleanse Balm, known for its deep-cleaning abilities and gentle feel. It melted makeup effortlessly without stripping the skin.

2. Foam Cleanser

Step two is about cleansing again—but this time using a water-based product to remove sweat, dirt, and leftover oil.

This “double cleansing” method is central to K-beauty. We chose the Biore Baking Soda Cleanser for its exfoliating and blemish-fighting properties.

3. Toner

Toners in K-beauty aren’t harsh or alcohol-based. They’re hydrating and prep the skin for the next steps by balancing pH and adding light moisture.

We opted for Pixi Glow Tonic, a cult-favorite that’s technically an exfoliating toner, helping improve texture while adding a gentle glow.

4. Essence

Essence is one of the most distinct K-beauty steps. It’s a lightweight, watery product that hydrates and helps with anti-aging by prepping the skin to absorb serums better.

We used Estée Lauder Micro Essence, which has a soft texture and left our skin feeling plump and calm.

5. Emulsion

Think of emulsions as lightweight moisturisers. They’re usually water-based and offer an extra hydration layer before you move to richer products.

Jess didn’t have a dedicated emulsion in her collection, so she used L’Oréal Hydra Genius Aloe Water, which offered a similar lightweight texture and hydration boost.

6. Serum

Serums target specific concerns—fine lines, acne, dryness, pigmentation. Ours contained Vitamin C to brighten skin and reduce uneven tone.

We went with the Vonza Vitamin C Serum, which had glowing reviews and was lightweight enough for layering under other products.

7. Sheet Mask

This is the longest step but also the most indulgent. A sheet mask is soaked with serum and worn for 15–20 minutes.

We tried the Marine Moisture Sheet Mask, packed with botanical extracts and 25ml of serum per mask. It felt cooling, relaxing, and hydrating.

8. Eye Cream

The eye area is delicate and one of the first places to show signs of aging. Eye creams hydrate, brighten, and smooth fine lines.

We used the Aurelia Eye Cream, known for its calming properties and lightweight feel. It helped reduce puffiness and gave a refreshed look.

9. Moisturiser

This step locks in all the moisture from the previous layers. A good moisturiser seals everything and keeps skin nourished all day.

We used Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, Jess’s holy grail. Rich and luxurious, it made the skin feel instantly soft and smooth.

10. SPF (Sunscreen)

This is the most important step—yes, even in the UK. SPF protects against UV rays that can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

We used La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Mist SPF 50, a spray that’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. No white cast, no greasy feel.

How Long Did It All Take?

On day one, the full routine took nearly an hour. The most time-consuming part? The sheet mask, which accounted for about 20 minutes.

But by the end of the week, we had our rhythm down. The full process took just 40 minutes, with everything flowing smoothly.

Variations We Found Online

While researching, we noticed different versions of the 10-step routine. Some routines included exfoliators, ampoules, or lip care. Here’s a look:

Exfoliator: Some guides added a physical or chemical exfoliator, but using one daily seemed too harsh. We skipped it for daily use.

Ampoule: These are concentrated serums often used for specific skin concerns. We felt our Vitamin C serum already filled this role.

Moisturiser with SPF: Some routines combined the last two steps with a day cream containing SPF. We separated them to keep it flexible.

Lip Balm: Often suggested as a bonus step, but we left it out since it doesn’t integrate with the rest of the facial care process.

So, Did It Actually Work?

Yes—and quite impressively so.

By the end of the week, Tom’s skin looked brighter and more even-toned, while Jess noticed smoother texture and less dryness.

Both experienced a minor breakout on day two, likely from the sudden introduction of so many products. But it cleared up quickly by day four.

The only real downside? Eye irritation. By day four, both Jess and Tom noticed stinging around the eyes, which lasted 10–20 minutes after the routine. Possibly product overload.

What Did We Learn?

Here are a few personal takeaways:

Double cleansing works but may be too much daily. Foam cleanser alone might be enough for those with drier skin.

Serum, eye cream, moisturiser, and SPF are here to stay in both Jess and Tom’s everyday routines.

Sheet masks gave noticeable results but will now be used just once or twice a week for practicality.

Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?

Absolutely—but with tweaks.

The full 10-step Korean skincare routine is effective, but it requires time, commitment, and the right products for your skin type.

It’s perfect for a weekend glow-up or when your skin needs extra love. For daily life, a condensed version (around 4–6 steps) may be more realistic.

That said, we now understand why people rave about K-beauty. It’s not about one miracle product — it’s about layering, hydration, and consistency.

With a few adjustments, it’s a routine worth adopting in part or in full. Your skin will likely thank you.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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